Coffee, mould and mycotoxins

Coffee beans are often contaminated with toxic moulds biproducts called mycotoxins. They’re found on beans that have been improperly stored, but are higher in green beans and decaf coffee (caffeine inhibits mould growth).

This can contribute to those experiencing mould symptoms or illness.

The main mycotoxins found in coffee are…

  1. Aflatoxin B1 – a carcinogen that causes numerous health problems

  2. Ochratoxin A

According to the WHO, mycotoxin exposure can result in long-term health issues eg

  • Immune deficiency

  • Severe allergies

  • Nausea

  • Dizzyness

  • Gastro-intestinal problems

  • Cancer

Mycotoxins have been found in various concentrations in coffee from different countries. Studies have found that…

  • 45% of all commercially available coffee beans contained Ochratoxin A

  • 33% of green coffee beans from Brazil had low levels of Ochratoxin A

  • 4 cups of coffee a day only exposes people to 2% Ochratoxin A levels deemed safe by the WHO

  • While roasting reduces levels of most toxins, it does not reduce levels of the most dangerous ochratoxin A, with 27% of roasted coffees containing Ochratoxin A

What to do if you want to drink coffee?

  1. Find mould-free brands, especially for decaf. They do exist

  2. Or cut out coffee for a while

MOULD / CIRS, IMMUNITY, GENERAL HEALTH, FOOD AS MEDICINEGutsy by Nutritionmould, mould illness, mold, mycotoxinsComment